Republic of Indonesia to defend trade union policy at ILO meeting

From Jakarta Post, 5 April, 1995. [slightly abridged]

[Note from sender: Although this article does not mention it anywhere, it
seems likely that the ILO will soon pass a resolution
censuring the Indonesian government, probably on the grounds
of denying freedom of association. Suwarto's statement was
mostly likely made in anticipation of this resolution.]

Indonesia is set to defend its policy of one government-sanctioned
labour union when it takes part in the upcoming
International Labour Organisation in Geneva on June 6-23.

Director-General for Industrial Relations and Labour Standards
Suwarto said yesterday that Indonesia expects some
industrialised countries to attack its trade union policy.

The Indonesian government recognises the SPSI (All Indonesian
Workers Union) as the only legal labour union and refuses to
be shaken by the West's criticism that the government here is
suppressing the freedom of association.

"Developed countries should not pressure Indonesia and other
developing countries into accepting their concept of freedom
of association," Suwarto told the Jakarta Post.

"Every nation has its own right to determine the most suitable
form of trade union which is compatible with the local
values," he said.

Suwarto said that a recent ILO meeting in Geneva, which made
preparations for June's 82nd ILO conference, was held by
developed nations to make the Third World revise Convention
No. 98 on the freedom of association, which it believes needs
to be implemented in its broader, international meaning.

"What is good in the United States is not necessarily good for
Indonesia," he said, adding that Indonesia had ratified the
ILO convention but it has been enforced in accordance with
socio-political conditions.

He said it was impossible for Indonesia to adopt the Western
concept of freedom of association due to differing political,
social and cultural backgrounds.

The labour situation in Indonesia will be plunged into chaos
if the West's labour system is applied here, he added.
"History has proven that the establishment of many labour
organisations in the past resulted in political chaos."

Suwarto argued that Western countries should also take into
consideration the quality of workers in Indonesia when they
are criticising the labour record.

"Just imagine, most Indonesian workers are elementary school
drop outs and only 11 per cent of them have joined the labour
organisation," he said.

If more labour organisations are established, Suwarto said,
they will become weaker and there will be more opportunity for
certain anti-government groups to use them to serve their
political interests.